Oversize albumen chalk-enhanced half-length portrait of William J. Darden. Partially obliterated photographer's imprint to lower margin. Period parcel-gilt oval frame. Verso reads: "W.J. Darden / off 6/5/52 / Holland Lodge #1 Houston Tex. / W.M. 1856-1871," and, in later pen inscription, "Son in Law of General Moseley Boher. Officer at San Jacinto, Member of First and Third Congress, and later brigadier general of militia." Original backing material mounted to cardboard is inscribed: "W.J. Darden / [?] of Susan Darden / [Harbet?] / Son is law of / General Mosely Boher / W. M. Holland / Lodge #1 / Houston / 1856 - 1871". Visible 6 x 8 in., matted and framed to 12 1/8 x 14 3/8 in.

William J. Darden (1825-1881) was a graduate of Columbian College in Washington D.C. and studied law before moving to Texas in 1846. He gained admittance to the bar and practiced in Houston, Galveston, and Columbus while also pursuing a political career. At the start of the war, he enlisted and was appointed Quartermaster Sergeant in Company B of the 5th Texas Infantry, composing part of the famous Hood's Texas Brigade along with the 1st and 4th Texas Infantry regiments.

At their first major engagement at Eltham's Landing on 7 May 1862, Darden was taken prisoner and confined at Fort Delaware until he was exchanged on 5 August 1862. Shortly after his return he was severely wounded at Antietam and taken prisoner yet again. Confined at the Old Capitol Prison in Washington D.C., he was paroled in April 1863, after which he took a 60-day furlough to Texas. He never returned to his regiment, however, and was listed as a deserter. He was able to secure an honorable discharge, due to his debilitating injury.

He remained active in veteran affairs after the war, especially as an active member of Hood's Texas Brigade Association.

A discussion of Darden and this image is published in "Another 'Guest' of the Death Pen." by Martin Callahan in Military Images. Vol. XX, No. 6. May-June 1999.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Tintypes, Cased Images, Union Cases, Albumen Photographs, CDVs, Carte de Visites, Cartes de Visite, Carte-de-visite, Cartes-de-visite, CDV, Cabinet Cards, Stereoviews, Stereocards] [Prisoner of War, POW, Andersonville, Libby Prison] [Texas, Republic of Texas, Sam Houston, Alamo, Texas Rangers]